BCE Loses Second Cellular Contract in India

India's decision to award cellular licenses to joint ventures led by France Telecom, Australia's government-owned OTC, Bell South Corp., and Britain's Vodafone Group PLC, came as a blow to BCE Inc.'s international expansion plans. The telecommunications company had initially won a contract for Delhi in 1992, but lost it after a court ruling declared the awarding process flawed. BCE's joint venture, Tata Cellular, was denied the contract again this week, despite a second reassessment by the Indian government.

Key Takeaways:

BCE's joint venture, Tata Cellular, initially won a cellular contract for Delhi in 1992, but lost it after a court ruling.
The Indian government awarded the contract to a joint venture led by Australia's government-owned OTC.
BCE's bid was rejected for the second time, despite a second reassessment by the Indian government.
BCE has other international telecommunications ventures underway, including a partnership in Colombia and a manufacturing arm with contracts in several countries.
The company has a significant presence in the global telecommunications market, with investments in New Zealand and Britain.

Statistics:

There are 230 million people in India's urban population, with fewer than 10 phone lines for every 1,000 people.
In contrast, Canada has 780 phone lines for every 1,000 people.
BCE's manufacturing arm, Northern Telecom Ltd., has won major contracts in Colombia, Taiwan, China, and Mexico.
The company intends to invest up to $180-million (U.S.) in its Colombian partnership.
BCE owns 24% of New Zealand long-distance company Clear Communications Ltd. and 20% of British phone company Mercury Communications Ltd.

Sources:

"BCE Loses Second Cellular Contract in India" by unknown author, unknown publication (exact source not specified)
Various articles and press releases from Business Wire and BCE Inc.
Court rulings and news articles from the Globe and Mail, including "BCE Loses Second Cellular Contract in India" by unknown author.